A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Thomas Donlon, a former interim police commissioner of New York City. Donlon had accused the police department under former Mayor Eric Adams and his senior officials of engaging in “systemic corruption” and claimed the department was functioning as a “criminal enterprise.”
Thomas Donlon, who previously had a long-standing career with the FBI, was appointed by Mayor Adams to help restore order in the police department, which had been plagued by a series of scandals. In July, Donlon initiated a racketeering lawsuit.
In his lawsuit, Donlon alleged that he observed “systemic corruption and criminal conduct” that was allegedly supported by Mayor Adams and his associates. He claimed that they often manipulated overtime records, obstructed internal probes, and punished those who spoke out against misconduct.
Judge Denise Cote, however, ruled on Wednesday that the actions described in the lawsuit did not constitute racketeering activity, as they lacked evidence of the defendants acting with a “common purpose.”
A representative from the city’s Law Department expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating to The Associated Press that they were “pleased the court agreed there was no legal basis for this case to continue.”
A spokesperson for the city’s Law Department told The Associated Press they were “pleased the court agreed there was no legal basis for this case to continue.”
An attorney for Donlon, John Scola, told the outlet that his client had already appealed the ruling.
The police department was accused of operating as a “criminal enterprise.” (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/The Associated Press)
“Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD’s highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct,” Scola said. “We are confident the Second Circuit will allow his claims to proceed.”
Donlon was tapped by Adams following the September 2024 resignation of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, whose phone was seized by federal officials as part of a criminal corruption investigation into the then-mayor and his administration.
He served as the interim commissioner for about two months before later being replaced by Jessica Tisch, who still serves as commissioner under the city’s current mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Judge Denise Cote ruled that the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity. (Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Donlon’s lawsuit was just one of several complaints brought by veteran police officials who alleged a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism within the agency during Adams’ time as mayor.
Federal prosecutors have also recently brought several bribery cases against former police officials who served under Adams.
